Dogged Perseverence

Personally, I don't watch Jackie Chan movies. That's 'cause I'm a dog; I prefer Lassie. But if I did watch martial arts movies, or think about Karate, I probably wouldn't think of a kid who has cerebral palsy.

But we went to a awards ceremony a while ago to recognize the achievements of a 12 year old
kid who has cp and practices the discipline of karate.

His achievements deserve recognition because of what they mean for every one of us: I'm a dog, and I help a lady who has cp, so I know about going beyond expectations. Nobody expects a dog to open a door, either. Or to run a blog, for that matter...

People who do martial arts typically share certain attributes: things like determination, passion, commitment and stamina, along with physical gifts like strength, agility, a good sense of balance, and speedy reflexes. Most of them probably don’t begin training with the kinds of neurological deficits that come with cp.

Karate is an activity that requires balance, muscle coordination, aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility.. So what do you do if you want to learn karate but you were born without all of these gifts? You use the gifts you DO have, and that’s what this kid did.

He had the determination, guts, and focus to go after what he knew he was capable of, despite appearances. He had enough inner stamina and strength to more than compensate for the physical effects of cp.

He was encouraged by teachers and classmates who treated him like everybody else, but it was his own effort, sweat, and determination that kept him at it. And it was that same - ahem- dogged perseverance that saw him keep at it and win medals and belts!
And so his career continues; this small-town kid who has cp but practices karate anyway, and earns his belts and medals.

Silver and bronze medals, green and purple belts.

This is a kid whose parents were told he wouldn’t walk without leg braces, and that he’d never ride a bicycle.

But he walks, rides, golfs, swims, plays volleyball, cross country skis, and let’s not forget, practices the discipline of karate.

He's one of those people who doesn't stop striving, and that's why his accomplishments deserve to be recognized.

So, kiddo, on behalf of service dogs everywhere who know about learning new skills and not giving up even when stuff doesn't come naturally, congratulations!